You Can Find Me On...

The Future Is Yours

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Demon Princess: Reign or Shine by Michelle Rowen

Synopsis from bn.com:

As if trying to fit in at a new school isn't stressful enough, sixteen-year-old Nikki Donovan just found out that her long-lost father is, in fact, the demon king of the Shadowlands—the world that separates and protects us from the Underworld. When she is brought there by the mysterious—and surprisingly cute—messenger Michael, she learns that her father is dying, and he wants her to assume the throne. To complicate matters, a war is brewing between the Shadowlands and the Underworld, her half-demon qualities are manifesting, and her gowing feelings for Michael are completely forbidden. Ruling a kingdom, navigating a secret crush, and still making it home by curfew—what's a teenage demon princess to do?
------

Demon Princess: Reign or Shine was interesting and original. It managed to be cute but still serious. There was even a dash of romance and cute boys thrown in to the story to add just the right about of spiciness.

The plot was went at a medium pace. The whole book took place over a span of just a few days. So a lot goes on in just a short amount of time even though it doesn't seem like it.

The characters were quite well-developed. You see more than one side to every character. For instance, you are shown Nikki's evil aunt's vulnerable side. This gives you more insight into the motivation for her actions. Characters that start out as friends become enemies and vice versa. Some relationships end up in ways you wouldn't expect.

When Nikki's dad randomly sends a messenger for her, she doesn't know what to think. All her life she thought he was dead. The fact that she doesn't immediately believe what she's being told and just go along with it makes the story more realistic and believable.

There are even some action-filled scenes so things never get too boring. Nikki isn't a damsel in distress in these situations, either. She can definitely handle the bad guys on her own. Of course, a little help from adorable Michael never hurts.

Overall, this was a fun novel. I'd love to read the next books in the series.